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Villa chairman Lerner drops interest for Benitez, McClaren

Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner has pulled out of talks with Steve McClaren and Rafa Benitez over the vacant manager's job.

The Daily Mail says the American, looking for his third manager in nine months, had a conversation with former Liverpool boss Benitez, but was not convinced, especially given Benitez's spending demands.

Significantly, Lerner cancelled a meeting with former England coach McClaren because of fans' reaction to his possible availability.

Benitez, 51, has been touting for a job back in the Premier League since his six-month tenure at Inter Milan ended disastrously in December.